# The most abundant elements in the universe

Hydrogen and helium make up more than 98% of ordinary matter; everything else, from the oxygen we breathe to the iron in our blood, fits into less than 2%. The ten most common elements in the cosmos. Does any of them surprise you?

- 0 votes · 10 items
- Jul 2, 2022 · H. Moura
- https://even.best/en/l/3054/the-most-abundant-elements-in-the-universe

## Top 10

1. **Hydrogen** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About three quarters of the mass of ordinary matter.
2. **Helium** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About a quarter, much of it formed in the Big Bang.
3. **Oxygen** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — Third, with about 1% of the mass.
4. **Carbon** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — The basis of life, forged in stars.
5. **Neon** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — A noble gas surprisingly common in the cosmos.
6. **Iron** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — The end point of fusion in big stars.
7. **Nitrogen** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — Most of the Earth's air.
8. **Silicon** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — The element of rocks and chips.
9. **Magnesium** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — Abundant in rocky planets.
10. **Sulfur** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — Rounds out the top 10.

How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.